Michael Tabb

Professional Scriptwriter of Entertainment Properties

"I've had the pleasure of hiring and working closely with Michael on multiple feature-length screenplays at Universal Studios. Every time, it’s been a no-hassle, constructive, collaborative, and satisfying teamwork experience. It’s hard to find fantastic genre writers like Michael, who are equally adept at crafting great characters, dialogue, action, script pacing, and the often-underappreciated skill of writing subtext into his well thought out material. He’s one of my go-to scribes for figuring out how to crack the nut for an exciting new take on pre-existing intellectual properties including remakes. If you’re smart, you’ll hire Michael Tabb to write for you before I do it again.”

"Michael is a fanboy in the truest sense of the word. Not just a comic book nerd, but someone who immerses himself in whatever world he is going to write about and wills it to life on the page. His character work populates that world with living, breathing inhabitants that you want to meet, befriend, fight or love. But Michael is also keenly aware of the business in "show business" and finds creative and seamless tactics in his writing to make a producer's job easier."

"I hired Michael Tabb to write a feature film adaptation of Robert E. Howard's novella "Vultures" when I was at Paradox Entertainment. Michael wrote a fantastic script for us. He showed great ability in distilling information from multiple producers, delivering exactly what they asked him for, and provided unique ideas that took the project to an entirely new level. Michael is a pleasure to work with and is the ultimate collaborator. I admire his passion for screenwriting and think he brings the goods on every project. I'd recommend him anytime."

"A few years ago Michael Tabb adapted my novel, In The Fall, to a screenplay. Before undertaking the job, he traveled to Vermont to meet me, and also to gain a sense of the area. We spent a memorable few days in Vermont and northern New Hampshire, and Michael then went on to create a screenplay that was not only true to the novel but deeply sensitive to cinematic expression. Michael is curious, gregarious, insightful, and brings a mastery of his art and craft to the projects he takes on. I can't recommend him more highly."

-- Jeffrey Lent
Best-Selling Author
In The Fall, Slant of Light, Lost Nation

"Michael is terrific to work with and is a great guy both personally and professionally. He's extremely talented and is also a total pro who always thinks about what's best for the project."

"Michael is not only a gifted writer who I've enjoyed working with, but also a thoughtful and open-minded collaborator on material. This makes him a double threat in the world of writing, where we want people who have a strong point of view, but also know when something isn't working and is willing to put in the work. For that, there is no reason to look further."

“Michael is an accomplished WGA screenwriter, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing professionally for 16 years. His richly-crafted, thrilling screenplays have always been a delight to read, and I am so excited that he is now able to share his immense talent (and industry insight) with an even wider audience with the launching of his new book.”

"Michael is personable, respected, and has worked in this industry for over a decade, which is saying a lot more than you might think. He is a solid writer. Michael knows what he writes for his bread and butter and, at the same time, is capable of breaking that mold to get hired outside his usual genre, having recently written two classic thriller remakes for Universal Studios. He’s a critical thinker about story; he used to be a screenplay analyst for a company at Warner Brothers for years. One conversation about craft with Michael, and you’ll get it. He never gets writer's block, works on multiple projects at once, and actually beat two-time Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning scribe Horton Foote out of a dramatic genre screenwriting job."

-- David Brown
Literary Manager
Echo Lake Entertainment

"Michael is not only an uber talented screenwriter with a strong grasp on translating known IP, but he’s also the king of fantasy football, and an all-around good guy!"

"Michael has a firm grasp of the fundamentals, bringing humor and thoughtfulness to his stories and characters. That he has a bead on popular culture and what the audience wants makes him a rare commodity. Add that he’s a wonderful collaborator, and you’ve got the trifecta."

"Michael is an accomplished writer whose scripts wrap your attention and imagination in the unique worlds he creates. His characters pulse with life on each page, they're crafted with grounded realism and add clear and concise contributions to the stories' progression. Talents aside, Michael is a pleasure to engage and collaborate with creatively, professionally, and socially."

-- Nicholas Anglewicz
Vice President, Finance and Business Development at CBS Film
AVP, Business Development at Endgame Entertainment

"Tabb is one of the most underrated writers in Hollywood with years of experience. When Tabb writes a script, I want to read it.”

"Michael Tabb is a great writer and a friend for many years. I've read his work in all genres including, small character dramas and high-octane action films. There is the highest standard of writing in all of them. He is a great collaborator and has many great ideas in a business built upon such. Though there are no guarantees in Hollywood, I guarantee you will enjoy working with this professional and talented writer."

-- Frank T. DeMartini
Producer, New Millennium Films

“Michael Tabb’s unique approach to storytelling makes him an amazing collaborator. In our long professional relationship, which started at Disney Feature Animation, I can always depend on him to bring his original voice to any project we work on. He is one of the best brainstormers in the business. When I give him even a vague idea of the kind of story I am looking for and within a few days a bunch of pitches are ready to go.”

"Michael Tabb is a truly gifted writer who possesses the rare talent of giving his readers exactly what they want while still surprising them with moments that are both inspired and unexpected. It's always a thrill to have a Tabb project land on my desk. One of these days, I'll have to eat his brain and steal his knowledge."

"I've merited to collaborate with Michael Tabb on several projects in the past. He's a very talented writer, and re-writer (he doesn't take feedback personally), who also happens to be an all-around sweet and great guy. He works very hard to problem-solve and suggest multiple creative possibilities to move any project forward."

--Daniel Irom
Producer/Co-Creator, The Empire State

“99% of screenwriters in Los Angeles never know the level of success Michael Tabb has achieved… Michael is one of a select few that I trust to weed out weak material and advise me on the scripts we are sent. His coverage on these scripts are professional, detailed where needed, well thought-out, and stem from knowledge of the mechanics of screenwriting and a sense of what kind of films the marketplace desires. If Michael says "PASS" on a script, I don't need to look at it. I trust his opinion that much.”

“Michael Tabb is a powerhouse. He’s one of those writers that I envy – he is ALWAYS writing. Ever since I’ve known him he has constantly pumped out quality work at a steady pace. He’s a machine!”

-- John Lehr
WGA Writer/Creator
10 Items or Less, Quick Draw

"Michael wrote a riveting screenplay adapted from a lengthy and complex novel. He met all his deadlines, was very professional, and even took time to travel to the location where the novel was set in order to maximize his understanding of the characters. He is a stellar writer; I would highly recommend him."

-- K.L. Stanton
President, Sojourn Films Productions Inc.

"Michael is an imaginative writer channeling rich character voices that speak to the complexity of the human condition. He takes you on a ride through familiar worlds that have been reinvented and read fresh.”

“Notwithstanding the fact that Michael Tabb is like everyone’s favorite man-about-town in Hollywood, the guy can write the heck out of script. I have known and worked with him for years because Tabb is a guy who can create worlds. Sure, he gets character, writes compelling stories and explodes with passion, but his true gift as a screenwriter is to bring you fully into whichever sub-culture and universe he chooses to create.”

He is a decade-long WGAW member, serves on their Writer’s Education Committee, formally the New Members’ Committee and has assisted the Writers’ Guild Foundation Community Outreach Program by guest instructing on his craft to underprivileged youths in the Los Angeles area. Michael is most significantly thrilled to have personally co-created the WGA's first ever Mentor Program for the newest members of the entertainment industry scriptwriters' union. You can see other ways in which Michael tries to give back to his fellow writers below.

He also originated the column in Ingénue Magazine about the business of screenwriting entitled “Script Notes,” which has been picked up by Script Magazine at www.scriptmag.com.

His education includes two years as a USC undergrad, a B.F.A. from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and graduated from UCLA’s School of Film and Television, professional screenwriting program. Before joining the WGA, Michael worked as a script analyst and reader for Alcon Entertainment, whose deal is at Warner Brothers.

Michael's pet project is to direct his coming-of-age, college-years dramedy feature film screenplay CHRISTMAS MISFITS, which won top prize of BEST SCREENPLAY in the screenplay competition at the New Mexico International Film Festival.

PEPPER IN THE BLOODHippofilms
Adaptation of a book by Brian Dyson
Prod. David Eric Brenner

GRAPHIC NOVEL

BACKSTREET BOYSStan Lee Media
Issue #2

Giving Back

To give back, Michael has lectured on screenwriting at The Screenwriters World Conference, San Diego’s Writers Conference and in classrooms at FSU, UCLA, and USC invited by friends, instructors and associates.

Michael has also spoken on and moderated web-casts industry and panels for San Diego’s Comic-Con International, local Los Angeles film festivals, film schools including New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, and the Writers’ Guild of America, West.

He is a multiple award-winning online professor of the MFA writing program at Full Sail University, where he has taken time to teach MFA-level courses on Character Creation & Development, Screenwriting, and Advanced Script Editing.

Most recently, Michael has taken many of his articles and incorporated them with new material into a single book designed to help fellow writers conquer the blank page forever.

Prewriting Your Screenplay:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories

by Michael Tabb

About the book

Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories cements all the bricks of a story’s foundations together and forms a single, organic story-growing technique, starting with a blank slate. Prewriting shows writers how to design each element so that they perfectly interlock together like pieces of a puzzle, creating a stronger story foundation that does not leave gaps and holes for readers to find. This construction process is performed one piece at a time, one character at a time, building and incorporating each element into the whole.

This book is ideal for classroom use with end-of-chapter exercises to provide step-by-step guidance in applying each lesson. Until a teacher provides his or her student writers with a concrete, mathematical approach to building a strong foundation for a screenplay from nothing at all, getting students over that first monumental hump on schedule with a well-formulated story will always be a Herculean task.

Prewriting lightens instructors’ loads by providing a clear-cut set of lessons that teaches how to construct that story base around concepts as individual as the student writer’s personal opinions. This approach helps to foster the individual writer’s voice.

Prewriting is the quintessential book for all writers on taking the first steps of developing a screenplay idea like no other and works as a companion book to any of the seminal screenwriting books already in publication.

Subscribe and learn more about Prewriting.

Enter your name and email below to receive an occasional, important update about Prewriting and Michael's other projects.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

WGA Writers Agree

Prewriting is a MUST read.

Educators Concur

Prewriting is a fantastic tool for writers at all levels

All professional screenwriters know that screenwriting is half art and half science. Master teacher and accomplished screenwriter, Michael Tabb, knows a lot about both. In this important new contribution to the art and science of screenwriting, Tabb guides the novice and the professional through the absolute essentials of the screenwriting craft. He understands that the science side (the rules that all screenwriters must follow) are not an impediment to the art side (creative inspiration), but a requirement to it. Everyone who is currently making their living screenwriting and everyone who intends to should read this book. Immediately.

Allen Estrin

Senior Lecturer, Screenwriting

American Film Institute (AFI)

Prewriting is amazing! What I love is that this book is clearly written by a working writer. Prewriting does a fantastic job of breaking down the key elements and building blocks of screenwriting into simple terms. It provides a clear, step-by-step guide that is practical as well as creatively stimulating. As a working writer, I plan to rely on Prewriting as one of my new, go-to toolboxes. As an educator, I will make Prewriting required reading for all the courses I teach.

Donald H. Hewitt

Screenwriting LecturerSchool of Theater, Film & Television
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

It’s taken me many, many years to learn what Michael has distilled into this book. I wish I knew all these things when I first embarked on my career. I’ve been to USC film school, I teach at USC film school, and I’ve had stellar jobs working for ICM, Tom Cruise and Paramount Pictures just to name a few. But I can tell you that I would have gone further and faster had Michael’s advice and guidance been available to me when I first started. He is knowledgeable, insightful, and he is right about what it takes to succeed as a writer.

Sebastian Twardosz

Screenwriting Lecturer
School of Cinematic Arts University of Southern California (USC)

As a professional writer for Disney Animation and having written for Dreamworks, The Weinstein Company and other major studios, I plan to use Prewriting to make my work even better. Mr. Tabb has distilled his story creating process into the most comprehensive and meaningful writing aid I've had the pleasure of reading to date. As an educator for Young Storytellers, I do and will recommend this book to writers of any age who want to be a professional storyteller in any medium. It explains how to develop a story with meaning, how to design characters to serve that meaning, and gives its readers a series of exercises to help them create their own strong story foundations from scratch over and over again. It is accessible for beginners and will even push experienced writers to improve their craft. In short: Michael Tabb has written the newest, must-read textbook for all would-be writers in the entertainment industry.

Ricky Roxburgh

Screenwriting EducatorYoung Story Tellers

I have devoted much of my career to persuading screenwriters, both the pros and my students, of the importance of pre-writing. It is far more effective than rewriting. Michael Tabb not only persuasively makes this case in Prewriting, he offers up a comprehensive set of powerful tools to completely craft a successful script before you type “Fade in.” While there is a universal acceptance that “Concept is King,” there are few answers offered on how to come up with a great idea. This is the first book I’ve read that teaches you how to brainstorm in search of inspiration. Tabb lays his own process bare so you can learn from him. I love Tabb's discussion of genre – pertinent, penetrating, and insightful. And to a story geek like me, downright sexy. PreWriting takes you through discovering your story’s thematic premise, to choosing the most impactful genre, crafting compelling characters, and ultimately incorporating these elements into a powerful story.

Barri Evins

What do you want to say with your story? If you want to have a clearer understanding of how to define this in your writing, you will want to read Michael Tabb’s book, Prewriting. Michael dives deeply into the WHY, creating a compelling debate with your story, genre, writing characters with purpose and intention and so much more. I devoured this book. It is in direct alignment with a lot of what I teach. Michael’s approach is totally accessible. You will hit many “aha” moments that will elevate your writing to the next level. I very highly recommend this book.

David Trottier

Author The Screenwriter's Biblewww.keepwriting.com

With Prewriting, experienced screenwriter Michael Tabb is your intense and passionate guide through the step-by-step process of designing a story from the inside out. Challenging many of the assumptions of conventional screenwriting theory, he shows you how a pro really lays out the internal wiring diagram of a story. With batteries of probing questions to ask yourself about your characters and premise, he defines the advance groundwork that allows you to start the script with confidence that your story will be coherent and meaningful. An important contribution to our body of knowledge about screenwriting and story development.

Christopher Vogler

AuthorThe Writer's Journey

A great screenplay begins with a great plan. With Michael Tabb's fantastic new book, writers now have the tools to do what is so difficult for many: face the blank page with confidence and conviction, armed with the the knowledge and guidance required to lay down the sound, thoughtful foundation required to produce a great screenplay, and never get writer's blocks again.

Lee Jessup

Filmmaking, unlike other arts, is a collaborative form. No film can get made and profit (key phrase “profit”), after the script is approved, without a Producer, a Director, a Financier and a Distributor who understand story. Michael’s tome is a necessary read for all creatives to be able to thoroughly understand the story, its spine, its premise, its genre and how all characters within the story fit together in order to make & sell a successful movie. A Must Read.

Dov S-S Simens

Dean Hollywood Film Institute Instructor, USC, UCLA, NYU

The consummate writer's writer, Michael Tabb will forever change the way you look at story, premises and character through his insightful approach to prewriting, screenwriting and brainstorming. Michael gets inside the thought process of story and premise development in a fun way no one else has. With a nod to the masters, Michael's on-point analyses, exercises, and advice is a game-changer for writers at every level looking to defeat writer's block and create compelling stories. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Danny Manus

Michael Tabb takes readers and writers on a fun and inspiring journey where the ideas pop out and the words flow freely. Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories is a must read for anyone who struggles with or has ever struggled with writer’s block. The advice and expertise that Tabb so generously shares with the reading public are invaluable for aspiring writers or seasoned writers who know what it’s like to stare endlessly at that blank page on the computer screen. I feel like I've been let in on a secret that only a select few, elite writers knew-- until now. As an educator, I can’t wait to refer my students to this book when they complain, and they always do, of the most severe cases of writer’s block.

Stephanie Fleming

Online Faculty Los Angeles Film School

Michael Tabb brings not only his industry experience to the pages of Prewriting, but he also proves himself an Insightful, inspiring, and engaging educator. Tabb engages the reader with a conversational approach to understanding the narrative components of screenplay construction. This is a master class in the art and the craft of screenwriting taught by a working screenwriter. Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories belongs on the same shelf as Egri's Art of Dramatic Writing and McKee’s Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and The Principles of Screenwriting.

Christopher Ramsey

Department Chair and EducatorCreative Writing for Entertainment ProgramFull Sail University

Michael Tabb is one of the only film instructors to get me teary-eyed in class... and it was during his twenty-minute practice lecture. Prewriting combines Michael's encyclopedic knowledge of film & writing and his love for the possibilities of art. Michael speaks to the reader plainly, honestly and with a real connection to the material. As a guide for a writer, it offers encouragement, concrete advice and sagely caution about the pleasures and potential pitfalls of creating any type of story. He provides sharp ideas for readers looking to develop their structure, genre, style and character, making this a valuable asset for experienced writers and newbies alike. Any screenwriting book equally adept at quoting Shakespeare and Real Genius warrants your attention!

Eric Conner

In regards of Michael Tabb, I consider him one of the top authorities in this field due to his wealth of knowledge on screenwriting and cinema history based on the professionalism and passion with which he shares them in this book, Prewriting. Michael shows us the basic tricks of storytelling necessary to craft a clear and concise tome. He does this with examples, anecdotes, and exercises that provide the reader an understanding of the steps required for proper story development, including character archetypes, genre selection, conflict, and structure building. As a screenwriting teacher, I would present this book to my students with confidence that they will receive a wealth of information, insight, and experience from a great teacher and screenwriter. Michael Tabb’s Prewriting is absolutely a must read!

Edward Santiago

Beginning Screenwriting LecturerAustin School of Film

I have been using Michael’s articles in Script Magazine to help my students with many aspects of screenwriting, most notably to understand the concept of thematic premise and its importance and usefulness in both idea creation as well as overall script development. Now that he has combined all of his writings (and much more) in one book my students will have a single source that offers both concrete and theoretical tools that encompass the entire process of writing a screenplay, teleplay and live performance theater from concept to completion.

Patrick Mulvihill

Guest Lecturer
Communications, Film & MediaGeorgia State University

Michael Tabb's extensive experience as a writer shows in this book. Even seasoned veterans will find nuggets of wisdom to help keep their writing moving forward. This alone is worth the price of admission.

Isaac Ho

Assistant ProfessorWriting for Stage and ScreenPoint Park University

In Prewriting, Michael Tabb raises critical questions that have long concerned writers and educators. Who’s the hero when our main character does not fit the traditional stereotype? How do we avoid writer’s block? What does a premise need to do? Why is genre relevant? How do character flaws make our protagonist stronger and clearer? What does love have to do with our protagonist and the story? And, How do genre trends affect a writer’s decision-making? Tabb’s book also includes many other thought-provoking questions, measurement exercises, and specific film references to challenge the reader to look at their work from a new perspective. Anyone involved in screenwriting or the development of film will treasure this book because it provides another avenue to help filmmakers become more observant, reflective, and introspective. Prewriting helps us all create more professional screenplays.

D.R. Fraley

This book is excellently organized and covers every essential technique and knowledge-set needed for creating a story. Authors of all experience levels can benefit from the wisdom Mike sets forth in his writings. As an educator, I can easily see this book being put to use in my creative writing courses. The exercises at the end of each chapter expertly allow students to apply the new concepts immediately. I would most definitely recommend this to my students and fellow writers alike.

Jared Loper

Creative WritingIdaho Falls High School

I am so pleased and excited that Michael Tabb has finally put his worldly wisdom in readable format. This PreWriting is a uniquely riveting how to book that’s written from the heart. I laughed. I cried. I was inspired yet again. Michael’s love for screenwriting shines through with each and every word as he proves John Steinbeck wrong -- writing is indeed not magic but can be quickly learned even from a zero baseline. As both a student and a teacher, I highly recommend this soon-to-be screenwriter’s bible “prequel” which should be required reading for any student of the craft. Thank you, Mike, for always giving back!

Constance Younger

California Certified EducatorPlatt College

As a published author, I look forward to using Prewriting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Generating Stories as a great step-by-step process when in the first stages of new idea and story creation. Michael Tabb provides logical, progressive explanations to what many people perceive as a subjective and intangible endeavor. Even seasoned writers will appreciate the connections he draws from conceptualizing a premise to the pivotal roles characters and genre play within a story’s development.
As an educator, Prewriting will be my go-to resource for young writers in my creative writing elective classes. It provides examples, exercises, and thoughtful reflections for writers that will assist in understanding the critical components of story writing. The organization of topics will help even my youngest writers develop their imagination before putting pen to paper or hands to keyboards so they will not struggle with writer’s block.

Tess Votto Haranda

Author

Educator

“I have never known anyone to be more passionate about screenwriting than Michael Tabb. Screenwriting is a labor of love for him -- and so is this book. The knowledge and experience he's gathered over the years has compelled him to document it and share it with others. My passion is and always has been television, but the same rules, structures, and hurdles apply. It's how I design the workshops I teach at UCLA. This is a scholarly, beautifully written tome. It can apply to all forms of writing. Anything that needs an 'idea'. It's about process, which is what writing is. Not formula. Process. And Mr. Tabb has processed it well!”

Bill Taub

“No sane person would attempt to run a marathon without training, would they? In my years of teaching screenwriting, I was amazed at how many of my students would balk at the idea of pre-writing, which includes premise building, character developing, structure plotting, and script outlining. What Michael Tabb's book does is give every student who loves writing a practical way to do all of that. He lays out each of the steps a writer needs to take before writing FADE IN, which are essential to creating a winning screenplay. This book gives the intellectual nutrition screenwriters need in order for them to start this screenwriting race. It helps guide writers to the choices they need to make in order to create a screenplay that works on all levels. I give Prewriting my highest recommendation.”

Kenneth Cosby

Screenwriting Professor University of Southern California (USC)
Writing for Television ProfessorNew York University (NYU)

Representation

Please contact the agent or manager regarding hiring Michael Tabb as a writer. The following are Michael Tabb’s literary representation.

You may use this contact form to reach Michael Tabb directly regarding all other inquiries.

For legal reasons, please do not send your script or book ideas due to potential conflicts of interest with his own projects. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.